But she said: "Not only is this response, too late, it also does not go far enough.

"The only fair solution now is for the interview process to be suspended until it can be clearly shown that no doctor has been disadvantaged as a result of the government's mistakes."

Lord Hunt, the health minister, denied doctors had been unfairly treated, and said many would have another chance to apply successfully.

"This system was designed with a huge input from doctors themselves. It did emphasise practical skills and competencies.

"Let me assure you that in the first round of appointments, only the candidates of very good quality will be appointed.

"There is then to be a second round starting in April, and there will be many more places, many more people will be shortlisted, and the second round will of course be informed by the review which is going led to be the medical royal colleges."

Andrew Lansley, the Shadow Health Secretary, said: "The government has waited until thousands of junior doctors were in despair about their career before they understood the need for action.